Governance of dual-use research: an ethical dilemma.

From Cases to Capacity? A Critical Reflection on the Role of 'Ethical Dilemmas' in the Development of Dual-Use Governance

The dual-use issue is often framed as a series of paralyzing 'dilemmas' facing the scientific community as well as institutions which support innovation. While this conceptualization of the dual-use issue can be useful in certain contexts (such as in awareness-raising and as part of educational activities directed at the scientific community) its usefulness is more limited when reflecting on th...

Ethical and Philosophical Consideration of the Dual-use Dilemma in the Biological Sciences

The dual-use dilemma arises in the context of research in the biological and other sciences as a consequence of the fact that one and the same piece of scientific research sometimes has the potential to be used for bad as well as good purposes. It is an ethical dilemma since it is about promoting good in the context of the potential for also causing harm, e.g., the promotion of health in the co...

"Intelligent Collaboration" the Paradox of "Ethical Agency" and "Corporate Governance"

The unprecedented technological developments witnessed in the 21st centuary have been accompanied with a growing importance of “information ethics”due to their far-reaching effects especially for global transactions. Such importance has also moved a wide range of “issues” to the front line agenda of enterprises. The measures used to approach the resulting or potential “ethical dilemma” continue...

The Human Brain Project: Social and Ethical Challenges

Focusing on the Human Brain Project, I discuss some social and ethical challenges raised by such programs of research: the possibility of a unified knowledge of "the brain," balancing privacy and the public good, dilemmas of "dual use," brain-computer interfaces, and "responsible research and innovation" in governance of emerging technologies.

Using the Untested Ebola Drug in Ebola Affected Patients: An Ethical Dilemma